FSR Grants

Discovering the causes of sarcoidosis, and ultimately a cure, can be uncovered through rigorous and collaborative scientific research.

Our initiatives and grants focus on collaborations which advance the understanding of sarcoidosis and address the causes of the disease, the suffering of patients, and the potential for a cure for sarcoidosis.

FSR has provided annual Research Awards, Abstract Awards, and Research Support to select programs. Clinically applied research is critical to achieving our mission and our grants have been critical is supporting many studies. Collectively we have awarded and planned for $4 million in grants to support innovative research projects leading to additional millions of dollars in subsequent awards to our researchers.

FSR launched the world’s first clinical research network specific to sarcoidosis in 2015with 8 inaugural sites. This consortium brings together an international partnership of world-renowned medical institutes and researchers for unprecedented collaboration in studies and drug trials toward the treatment of sarcoidosis. In its first two years, the network has conducted two internal studies and multiple industry-initiated trials. The second grant period of the FSR-CSN opened in Fall 2017, with total investment of $1,280,000 since the CSN was formed.

A major limiting factor in discovering new insights into the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis is the lack of a viable disease model. In a two-phase plan, FSR is funding early stage research in this area. The FSR Model Grant opportunity will serve to ignite additional research and will help bridge funding for much-needed larger investments into the disease model space. This initial grant’s Request For Applications (RFA) was opened in Fall 2016 with funding selections made in Spring 2017. A grant amount, totaling $750,000 for five awardees, will allow the following partners to complete two-year projects towards the development, characterization, or improvement of a sarcoidosis disease model:

Medical University of Vienna – Thomas Weichhart, PhDCharacterization and Improvement of a Novel Mouse Model that Spontaneously Develops Progressive Sarcoidosis by Chronic Activation of mTORC1

Models for the investigations of the involvement of type I interferon (IFN-aB) in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis

University of Hull, York Medical School – Simon Hart, MBChB, PhD

Development and application of a multi-scale computational model of sarcoidosis to predict therapeutic approaches for non-self-resolving disease

Yale School of Medicine – Erica Herzog, MD, PhD

Development of an ex vivo mimetic of the Sarcoidosis lung microenvironment

2005 – 2017

Research Grants

Through FSR’s partnership with ATS, we have funded $795,000 since 2005 in research grant funding, which has led to even more significant funding post-award. Below are the details of the funding:

2005-2017

ATS Travel Grants-

FSR has supported over $15,000 to support emerging researchers via the ATS Travel Grants to ensure up-and-coming investigators, many of whom submitted abstracts to ATS, can attend the annual conference to be included in the progression of education in lung disease.

2011

Nabeel Hamzeh, MD (National Jewish Health)
Studies have already shown that antioxidant therapy reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in chronic beryllium disease, a disease that resembles sarcoidosis. The Effect of an Antioxidant, N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, on Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Markers in Pulmonary Sarcoidodsis is a pilot study to see how antioxidant therapy affects oxidative stress in sarcoidosis. Learn more.

Lobelia Samavati (Wayne State University)
Both environmental and genetic factors appear to play a role in sarcoidosis. The Role of Intracellular NOD-like Receptors in Sarcoidosis will investigate the role of specific proteins (cellular sensors which recognize pathogens) as well as to identify variants in the genes for the sensors. Learn More.

2008

Elliott Crouser (Ohio State University)
Some research has shown that nicotine suppresses the immune system and reduces inflammation characteristic of sarcoidosis in the lungs. Modulation of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis by Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors is a trial that will assess whether nicotine treatment (in patch form) will reduce the severity of lung disease. Learn More or Join the Trial.

2008

Edward Chen (Johns Hopkins University)
Recent studies have shown that genetic variations may be associated with an increased risk of developing sarcoidosis. The Role of Serum Amyloid A and RAGE in Sarcoidosis is designed to determine whether SAA and RAGE are important in the development of granulomatous inflammation. Read the 2010 Press Release about Findings.

2007

Michael Falta (University of Colorado Health Sciences Center)T cell Ligands in Sarcoidosis focuses on understanding how immune blood cells, called T lymphocytes become overactivated in sarcoidosis patients and determining how they are involved in the formation of granulomas. This information might lead to an understanding of what causes disease and suggest new therapies for treating it.

2006

Richard Silver (Case Western Reserve University)*Abnormal TLR Responses in the Pathogenesis of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis attempts to demonstrate that the response of specific infection recognizing molecules may be abnormal and contribute to the immune response in sarcoidosis. (*Received $50,000)

2006

Jan Wahlstrom (Karolinska University Hospital)Identifying an antigen may provide clues to a cause, and potentially better treatments for this disease. Antigen specificity in Sarcoidosis focuses on a specific group of sarcoidosis patients whose immune system response may be related to exposure to a specific antigen, or foreign substance.

2005

Dan Culver (Cleveland Clinic)*Matrix Metalloproteinases Contribute to Disease Progression in Pulmonary Sarcoidosis and Are Inhibited by PPar-γ focuses on lung cells in sarcoidosis patients – specifically low levels of a molecule (PPAR-γ) that regulates immune responses. If this molecule can be regulated, inflammation from sarcoidosis and similar inflammatory diseases could potentially be controlled. (*Received $50,000) Learn More.

Abstract Awards for Excellence in Sarcoidosis ResearchAbstracts are brief summaries designed to succinctly communicate complex research projects. At scientific conferences, these are often presented in both text summary and poster form. FSR selects outstanding abstracts submitted to select medical and scientific conferences in order to provide an opportunity for young investigators to travel to meetings and present their data.

Year

Investigator, Institution & Project Summary

2010

Dia Beachboard, Vanderbilt UniversityMultiple mycobacterial antigen recognition of Sarcoidosis BALPresented through the American Thoracic Society Assembly on Allergy, Immunology and Inflammation Ms. Beachboard’s work supports a role for mycobacterial antigens in sarcoidosis disease pathogenesis. Read the Abstract.Jared Kravitz, Medical University of South CarolinaIntracavitary Amphotericin B for Pulmonary Aspergilloma Complicated by Serious Hemoptysis in Fibrocystic SarcoidosisSerious hemoptysis complicating pulmonary aspergilloma (PA) is the second most common cause of death in fibrocystic (FC) pulmonary sarcoidosis. Presented through the American Thoracic Society Assembly on Clinical Problems Dr. Kravitz’s research assessed the safety and efficacy of Intracavitary amphotericin B (ICAB). Read the Abstract.

2009

Ali A. Kanchwala, East Carolina UniversityCathelicidin Deficiency and Its Association with Disease Severity in Patients with SarcoidosisPresented through the American Thoracic Society Assembly on Allergy, Immunology and Inflammation Dr. Kanchwala’s work investigates the disease mechanisms of sarcoidosis and how a specific antimicrobial peptide, cathelicidin, plays a critical role in innate immune defenses.Read the Abstract.
Tahuanty A. Pena, Wayne State/Detroit Medical CenterIncidence and Outcome of Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Patients with SarcoidosisPresented through the American Thoracic Society Assembly Clinical Problems this work reviewed the risk of fungal infections among sarcoidosis patients.Read the Abstract.Eleni Stagaki, Sismanoglio General Hospital (Greece)Th-1 cytokines in infectious and non-infectious granulomatous lung diseases. Presented as World Association of Sarcoidosis & Other Granulomatous Disorders Young Investigator Award.Claus Bo Svendsen, Statens Serum Institut (Denmark)A prospective study evaluating the presence of Rickettsia in Danish patients with sarcoidosis. Presented as World Association of Sarcoidosis & Other Granulomatous Disorders Young Investigator Award.

2008

Takeshi Hattori, MD (First Department of Medicine, Hokkaido University)
Hiroe Sato, MD, PhD (Clinical Genomic Group, Royal Bromptom and NHLI, Imperial College)Awarded through the American Thoracic Society (ATS) Clinical Problems Assembly, Dr. Hattori’s studied the effect of smoking on susceptibility to sarcoidosis. Focused on the immune mechanisms of inflammation and awarded through the ATS Asthma, Allergy and Immunology Assembly, Dr. Sato’s research investigated genetic variations (polymorphisms) associated with severe pulmonary sarcoidosis. Read Dr. Hattori’s Abstract or Read Dr. Satoe’s Abstract.Elliott Crouser, MD (Ohio State University)
Dr. Crouser is Director of the Sarcoidosis Specialty Clinic at the Ohio State University Medical Center and was recognized as the 2008 K.I.S.S. Investigator of the Year. Read the Press Release.

2007

M. Gabrilovich, MD, PhD (Case Western Reserve)
S. Chin, MD (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center)Awarded through the American Thoracic Society (ATS) Clinical Problems Assembly, Dr. Chin’s research involved testing for a unique blood cytokine that identifies patients with active sarcoidosis inflammation. Focused on the immune mechanisms of inflammation and awarded through the ATS Asthma, Allergy and Immunology Assembly, Dr. Gabrilovich’s research investigated the role of specific infection recognizing molecules called toll-like receptors and their involvement in pulmonary sarcoidosis.David Stather, MD (University of Calgary)
Lobelia Samavati, MD (Wayne State University)Awarded during the American College of Chest Physicians annual CHEST meeting, Dr. Stather’s research focused on diagnosis of sarcoidosis with endobronchial ultrasonography and Dr. Samavati’s research focused on treatment of sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension.2007 Grant Recipient: Marc A. Judson, MD
Dr. Judson is director of the MUSC Sarcoidosis Center, one of the largest sarcoidosis clinics in the United States. He has extensive experience in the clinical management of sarcoidosis and is currently collaborating with Northwestern University’s Center for Outcomes Research & Education in Chicago on patient quality of life. He was recognized as the 2007 K.I.S.S. Investigator of the Year. Read the Press Release.

2006

W.P. Drake, MD (Vanderbilt University)
R. B. Hubbard (University of Nottingham)
Awarded through the American Thoracic Society (ATS) Clinical Problems Assembly, Dr. Hubbard’s research to assess the long-term prognosis of people diagnosed with sarcoidosis demonstrated a small increase in the relative incidence of cancer and an increased mortality rate. Focused on the mechanisms which lead to sarcoidosis development, and awarded through the ATS Asthma, Allergy and Immunology Assembly, Dr. Drake’s research investigated exposure to specific mycobacterial antigens in sarcoidosis patients and controls and her findings suggest disease progression may reflect an immune response to one or more of these antigens.Violeta Vucinic (Belgrade Institute for PUD AS and TB)
Lobelia Samavati (Wayne State University)Awarded during the American College of Chest Physicians annual CHEST meeting, Drs. Vucinic and Samavati each presented clinical research focused on mechanisms to assess Health Related Quality of Life (HQRL) in sarcoidosis patients.Nadera Sweiss (University of Chicago)
Nadera Sweiss is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Chicago
in the Section of Rheumatology. She has an active clinical research program in
sarcoidosis, testing novel therapies in clinical trials and has an interest in
translational research to understand the underlying causes of sarcoidosis. She was recognized as the 2006 K.I.S.S. Investigator of the Year. Read the Press Release.

2005

Andrew Shorr (Washington Hospital Center)
Sarcoidosis generally affects younger patients who have the potential to live for longer durations, they are however, more severely ill. Awarded during the American College of Chest Physicians annual CHEST meeting, Dr. Shorr’s research evaluated patient survival following lung transplant.Adrian Kruit (St. Antonius, Netherlands), Qiao Ye (Ruhrlandklinik, Germany), Dr. Kruit’s research focuses on a protein (TGF-β that regulates immune response and Dr. Ye investigated the role of a specific stress response enzyme (HO-1) in the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Presented as World Association of Sarcoidosis & Other Granulomatous Disorders Young Investigator Awards.Deborah Bradley (University of Cincinnati)
Phillippa Lawson (University College London)
Vincent Manganiello (NHLBI)
Otto Villa (Tufts University)
Awarded through the American Thoracic Society (ATS) Clinical Problems Assembly, Dr. Bradley’s research compared the effectiveness of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents and Dr. Manganiello’s research evaluated a steroid-sparing agent in the treatment of sarcoidosis. Focused on the cellular development of sarcoidosis and awarded through the ATS Allergy, Inflammation and Immunology Assembly, Dr. Villa’s research focused on the protein make-up of T-cells and Dr. Lawson’s research analyzed specific genetic variants in sarcoidosis patients.Kyle Hogarth, University of Chicago
As a young investigator and clinician, Dr. Hogarth’s patient care and research efforts focus on measures to improve quality of life and outcomes for patients with all forms of interstitial lung disease with a strong focus on sarcoidosis and rheumatologic interstitial lung disease. He received his MD from Case Western University in 1998, and completed his residency and fellowship in pulmonary & critical care medicine at the University of Chicago. Presented as KISS Chicago Young Investigator Award. Read the Press Release.

Additional Research Support

National Disease Research Interchange (NDRI) Rare Disease Biospecimen Alliance (Ongoing)
This new alliance will facilitate tissue donation for research studies and accelerate the procurement and placement of sarcoidosis tissues with researchers.

Lecture Support for the 5th International World Association of Sarcoidosis and Other Granulomatous Disease (WASOG) Conference on Diffuse Lung Diseases (2009)FSR provided financial support for this international conference focused on diffuse lung diseases.

Lecture Support for 2006 Aspen Lung Conference: Immunologic Diseases of the Lungs (2007)
FSR sponsored a lecture at this conference focused on the discovery of the cellular and molecular basis of immunologic lung diseases and the translation of these discoveries to novel treatment strategies.

WASOG Membership for Seven Young Investigators (2005)
FSR provided one year of WASOG membership with subscription to the scientific journal Sarcoidosis, Vasculitis & Diffuse Lung Diseases to seven investigators identified by abstract submission.

FSR Supports the University of Chicago (2004)
The University of Chicago Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine is
comprised of a world-class group of physicians and scientists who treat and
investigate the underlying causes of sarcoidosis and other similar diseases. As part of the Foundation’s mission to provide direct support to critically needed sarcoidosis research, a portion of proceeds from our Spring 2004 fundraiser were shared with the University of Chicago.

FSR Awards Grants through WASOG (2002-2017)
FSR awarded their first grants to two researchers selected at the 7th World Congress of The World Association of Sarcoidosis and Other Granulomatous Disorders (WASOG) Conference, held in Stockholm, Sweden. Helene Stridh, researcher at Karolinska Insitute, Stockholm, Sweden and Elske Hoitsma, researcher at University Hospital Maastricht, Holland, were chosen based upon questionnaires and abstracts they submitted to a peer review panel composed of some of the top sarcoidosis clinicians and researchers worldwide. Dr. Stridh’s work was focused on the study of the mechanisms of the overreaction of T-Lymphocytes in sarcoidosis patients and Dr. Hoitsma’s work was focused on small fiber neuropathy and autonomic dysfunction.

FSR has also supported WASOG and AASOG with sponsorship and research funding for its annual World Congress and U.S.-based meetings.